Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Joseph Opens Up About Why He Decided Not To Take His Dad's Surname

For over a decade, Joseph Baena has known that the iconic star of "The Terminator" is his father, yet he has chosen to retain his mother's maiden name as his own.

Catch him chatting about the pair's relationship here:

Schwarzenegger is the father of four children with his former partner, Maria Shriver.

However, a revelation that emerged over ten years ago added a new chapter to his life.

It was disclosed that he had fathered another child, Joseph, with the family's housekeeper, Mildred Baena.

Joseph was about 13 years old when he discovered Schwarzenegger was his dad, following an affair that occurred in 1996 while Schwarzenegger was still married to Shriver.

Joseph Baena hasn't taken his dad's surname. Credit: Instagram / @joebaena

Despite the complexities of their relationship, Joseph, now 26 years old, and Schwarzenegger have developed a strong bond.

Yet, Joseph has steadfastly chosen not to take his father's surname.

In a revealing 2022 interview with Inside Edition, he stated that he, "already [has] a last name" and that he doesn't "have a problem" with it; rather, he "like[s]" it.

Delving deeper into his reasoning, Joseph opened up during a conversation with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls on "Good Morning Britain," an ITV daytime show.

He explained that the "main thing" driving his decision to retain his surname is his desire to "try to do things on [his] own."

Joseph has followed in his father's footsteps but wants to do it alone. Credit: Instagram / @joebaena

He emphasized his commitment to forging his own path, stating, "And pursue my career with my will, my determination, and my work ethic. It's just doing everything through me."

Joseph highlighted how his family values independence and support from a distance rather than direct involvement, a stance he deeply "appreciate[s]."

He believes that "it is really important growing up as a man to do things on your own and to figure it out."

This approach seems to be bearing fruit, as Joseph remarked, "So that's what I've been doing and it's been working so far. I've been working really hard."

Choosing not to adopt his father's surname hasn't deterred Joseph from carving out his own path in areas that echo Schwarzenegger's legacy.

Joseph has ventured into bodybuilding and is making strides in the acting world, starring in the upcoming American action film "Gunner."

Additionally, he's taken on a "side hustle" in real estate.

Joseph shared his lifelong passion for acting, stating, "Some children grow up wanting to be a firefighter or an astronaut, but I have always loved film and I have always wanted to be an actor."

"It's just the way the cards have played out. We happen to do and like a lot of the same things."